Our gîte in Maison & Jardin

Marie from Domaine de la Coutardiere
1 November 2026
8.00 AM
0 comments

Our gîte in Maison & Jardin: a small part of our story told in a big way

Summary for those in a hurry

Our group gîte in the Vendée was featured in Maison & Jardin magazine. A publication that goes far beyond decoration or architecture: it tells a story of family, renovation, transmission and lifestyle choices. It's a powerful, emotionally-charged moment that gives even greater meaning to a place designed to bring people together.

When news makes the heart beat a little faster

Some news does something. They stop time for a few seconds. When I got the call that our gîte was going to be featured in Maison & Jardin magazine, I sat down. I took a breath. And smiled.

Because this place isn't just a bed and breakfast. It's a piece of our lives. A project built slowly, by dint of hard work, doubts, dust and a lot of love.

Domaine de la Coutardière exterieurs (6)

Ghyslain & Marie Di Domaine de la Coutardière

Behind the walls, there's a story

Before being a place of welcome, this gîte was a building site. For two years. Evenings spent remaking the world around the kitchen table. Decisions taken late, when the children were asleep. Weekends spent renovating rather than relaxing.

We weren't looking to create something “trendy”. We wanted to create a place where people feel good. A place that brings people together.

A group gîte at the heart of our farming life

We live here, in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, surrounded by our cows and our children. The farm is part of the scenery. Part of reality. Creating a group gîte in the Vendée, capable of accommodating up to 15 people, was an obvious choice. For large families. Reunions. Birthdays. Important occasions.

We had a clear vision from the outset: warm spaces, a lively home, a heated indoor pool that's accessible all year round and a place where you can really relax.

What Maison & Jardin saw... and felt

When the journalist asked me what made our gîte different, I didn't talk about decoration. I talked about life. Children who arrive shy and leave smiling broadly. Families who finally slow down. Board games that go on forever. Laughter echoing in the pool. Breakfasts that never end.

And I think that's what Maison & Jardin felt. Not a fixed place. But an inhabited place.

See our printed story

When I opened the magazine, I felt a little pinch. Seeing the photos. The words. Our adventure told from another perspective. We're not just building walls. We're building a place that reflects who we are.

And to see this work recognised, put in the spotlight, is a sweet source of pride. Not the kind that shouts. The kind that whispers: «You did well to believe in it.»

Domaine de la Coutardiere - Maison et Jardin

You might be wondering?

For its authentic character, its family history and its renovation, which was designed first and foremost as a place to live.

No. Above all, it highlights the soul of the place, its history and its vocation to bring people together.

Yes, thanks in particular to the heated indoor swimming pool and spaces designed for all seasons.

In Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, in the Vendée, close to the ocean and major tourist attractions.

Domaine de la Coutardière, true to who we are

This publication hasn't changed us. It has confirmed us. The Domaine de la Coutardière is still a family-run gîte, a simple, warm place, a home where people really live.

A place where people come to find themselves. Not to look good.

DISCOVER OUR GÎTE

Recognition that makes even more sense

Being in Maison & Jardin is a great accolade. But the most important thing is elsewhere. The memories you create here. The laughter. In the moments you share.

And if this magazine managed to capture a little of that soul, then yes... it was worth it.

Domaine de la Coutardière living spaces (9)

Domaine de la Coutardière exterieurs (2)

Marie and Ghyslain

About the authors of the article

We are Marie and Ghyslain, farmers in the Vendée and owners of Domaine de la Coutardière, a group gîte with indoor pool located in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, just a few minutes from the ocean.

We live at the heart of our family farm and have designed this place so that families and friends can get together, slow down and create real memories together.

Through this blog, we share our favourites in the Vendée, our ideas for outings and our good addresses, to make your stay here as easy as it is memorable.

CONTACT US

Our gîte in Maison & Jardin: a small part of our story told in a big way

Summary for those in a hurry

When news makes the heart beat a little faster

Behind the walls, there's a story

A group gîte at the heart of our farming life

What Maison & Jardin saw... and felt

You might be wondering?

Why was your gîte featured in Maison & Jardin?

Is the article all about decoration?

Is your gîte open all year round?

Where is the gîte located?

Domaine de la Coutardière, true to who we are

Marie and Ghyslain